DKSH expands Asian market for Dainippon Sumitomo's lurasidone

DKSH Business Unit Healthcare, a partner for health care companies seeking to grow their business in Asia, revealed it will provide marketing, sales and regulatory services as well as distribution and logistics for Japanese drug major Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma’s (TYO: 4506; DSP) lurasidone hydrochloride in Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Lurasidone, marketed as Latuda by DSP and Takeda Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4502), is a prescription drug in tablet form first approved in the USA for the treatment of adult patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. According to the World Health Organization, more than 21 million people suffer from schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder, characterized by profound disruptions in thinking and affecting language, perception and the sense of self. The disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate suggests that the impact of schizophrenia is highest in Asian countries.

“Lurasidone is a product of major importance in Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma’s global business strategy. Following launches in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Norway, the collaboration with DKSH is a major step in preparing to introduce the drug to patients in Asia. Working with DKSH allows us to focus on product development while growing our business in strategic markets,” said Makoto Hara, a member of the board of directors and executive vice president, DSP.

The sales and distribution of lurasidone is pending the drug’s approval by the health authorities of Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong. Once approved, the agreement will further strengthen DKSH’s market position in the region.